A CAMPAIGN to raise £1.6 million for a lifesaving new machine treating prostate cancer patients is a quarter of its way to reaching its target.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust launched the Rory the Robot campaign in March this year to raise funds for the state-of-the-art surgical machine.

The campaign has so far raised £42,000 and the trust, which runs Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital, is now appealing for 100 fundraisers to pledge to raise £1,600 – 0.1 per cent of the overall target – by the end of 2015.

Fundraiser Craig Burchell said if 100 signed up to the pledge, they would be able to raise 10 per cent of the total target over the next 12 months.

“We have already seen the dedication the local population can put into this great cause,” he said.

“You could hold a sponsored silence, have a swear jar at work or get sponsored for running a half marathon.

“The only limitation is your imagination.

“We will support you every step of the way and before you know it you will have raised the money.”

The equipment will be based at the Alex and will allow patients to be treated with less pain, minimal blood loss, quicker recovery times and reduced complications.

Consultant urological surgeon and lead cancer clinician at the trust Adel Makar said he was “absolutely delighted” by how much had been raised in just eight months.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal so far,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the 10 per cent club can do.”

To pledge support for the campaign call 01905 760 551, email fundraising@worcsacute.nhs.uk or visit www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/rorytherobot.

To donate directly to the campaign text RORY97 plus the amount you want to donate in the format £amount or online at www.justgiving.com/rorytherobot.